nearing extinction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nearing extinction" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is close to disappearing or being destroyed. For example: "The monarch butterfly population is nearing extinction due to loss of natural habitat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

What genres would you say are extinct or nearing extinction? 2. As a class, read and discuss the article "Jazz Musicians Ask if Their Scene Will Survive" (//www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/featured_articles/20050909friday.html), focusing on the following questions: a.

The New York Times

"If I survived the apocalypse I'd carry on eating them because the main reason certain foods are extinct or nearing extinction is [because] there are too many people on the planet, but if there was only me then I [could] hardly make a dent".

The Guardian

"Our language is nearing extinction.

The Guardian

Below ground, a longtime type of thief seemed to be nearing extinction: the lush worker.

The New York Times

As for the bonobo population, scientists have no reliable numbers but fear the species may be nearing extinction.

The New York Times

How long he can credibly carry on with the Lib Dems' standing nearing extinction levels is a mystery.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Right whales, which were hunted to near extinction over five centuries, number perhaps 350.

The New York Times

Once hunted to near extinction, some 3m fur seals now inhabit the island.

The Economist

They reached such high numbers that many native species were driven to near extinction.

The New York Times

Thousands of sea otters lived in San Francisco Bay until they were clubbed and trapped to near extinction.

The New York Times

Once numbering in the thousands in the North Atlantic, right whales were hunted to near extinction in the 19th century.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing endangered species, use "nearing extinction" to convey the urgency of conservation efforts and the importance of protecting biodiversity.

Common error

Avoid using "nearing extinction" when referring to temporary setbacks or reversible trends. Ensure that the situation genuinely poses a significant risk of complete disappearance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nearing extinction" functions as a descriptive modifier, typically used to characterize a noun (species, language, culture) as being close to complete disappearance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Encyclopedias

13%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nearing extinction" is a commonly used phrase to describe something at risk of disappearing. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for written English. The phrase functions as a descriptive modifier, often appearing in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. It conveys a sense of urgency and concern. When using "nearing extinction", ensure that it accurately reflects a situation of serious and imminent disappearance, and consider alternatives such as "on the verge of disappearing" or "in danger of dying out" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of disappearing

Emphasizes the imminence of disappearance, slightly stronger than "nearing extinction".

close to vanishing

Focuses on the act of vanishing, implying a rapid decline.

facing eradication

Highlights the threat of complete removal or destruction.

in danger of dying out

Specifically refers to biological species and their potential demise.

threatened with oblivion

Emphasizes the potential for being forgotten or becoming irrelevant.

on its last legs

An idiomatic expression indicating something is in a very weakened state and about to fail.

approaching its end

A more general term indicating that something is finishing.

in terminal decline

Indicates a steady and irreversible deterioration.

at the brink of oblivion

Stresses the closeness to being forgotten or ceasing to exist.

fading into obscurity

Suggests a gradual loss of visibility or importance.

FAQs

How can I use "nearing extinction" in a sentence?

You can use "nearing extinction" to describe species, languages, or even traditions that are close to disappearing. For example, "The Siberian tiger is "nearing extinction" due to poaching and habitat loss."

What can I say instead of "nearing extinction"?

You can use alternatives like "on the verge of disappearing", "close to vanishing", or "in danger of dying out" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "endangered" and "nearing extinction"?

"Endangered" indicates a species faces a high risk of extinction in the wild, while ""nearing extinction"" suggests the species is at an even more advanced stage of decline, closer to complete disappearance.

Is it appropriate to use "nearing extinction" in formal writing?

Yes, ""nearing extinction"" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in reports, articles, or academic papers discussing conservation, biodiversity, or cultural heritage. However, it is important to ensure the claim is factually supported.